In October 2018, the Scottish Crofting Federation delivered a two
day conference in Rothes, Morayshire, supported by Moray LEADER, The
MacRobert Trust, Big Lottery and the Princes’ Countryside Fund.
Moray, since the 2010 Crofting Act, is now recognised as one of the
new crofting areas and was therefore the ideal location to promote and
celebrate the spirit and resilience of crofting, whilst focusing on the
key diversification themes of food, drink and tourism.
Keynote speaker, Fergus Ewing, MSP joined us on the first day and
following lunch we heard Kylesku Hotel’s story about how they work in
partnership with local suppliers stating “fresh, local food and drink
are at the heart of our philosophy”. Site visits were then the order of
the day and Elchies Goats and Auld Mill Alpacas welcomed participants to
their premises.
The evening was spent in celebration with two new SCF awards,
sponsored by The MacRobert Trust – the first – Euan Macrae’s Young
Crofter of the Year Award and second, Best Newcomer Award. The 2018
winners were: Young Crofter of the Year 2018 – Donald MacSween, Ness,
Isle of Lewis and Best Crofting Newcomer, Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer,
Lynbreck Croft, Speyside. Lunches and dinner for the whole event were
provided by Dede MacGillivray’s Croft No 8 catering company who
delivered a truly sumptuous menu.
We had a busy second day of inspiring workshops from River Spey
Angler’s Association – Salmon Crofting; croft based food businesses
Salt-air Charcuterie and the Spice Route, to global market brand The
Isle of Harris Gin Co.
Two full days of inspirational stories told by both providers and end users that the participants really enjoyed.
Here is just some of the feedback we received:-
shown. I was hoping to rekindle the interest and determination I had a
few years ago but lost. Coming here has certainly boosted me. Being
amongst like minded folk who love the land, community and show so much
passion is truly inspiring. Thank you for giving me a fab two days.”
were blown away by the professionalism, enthusiasm and openness of the
community at the conference to share and encourage ‘new entrants. We now
want to sign up for training and share with others. The food was the
best we’ve ever had at a conference, validating the value of crofting.
Well done!”
reflect with a view to how to move my business forward. Always good to
take some ‘time out’ to think. Thank you. Rekindled enthusiasm and
inspired at what can be done!”
“I am so inspired by the warmth and passion people have
“We are complete ‘newbies’ to the crofting world and
“Very well organised and delivered. Really made me
